The rear part of the site formerly occupied by an extensive range of derelict former research laboratories was developed in the form of three detached contemporary family homes on large gardens with a generous buffer of informal Kentish ‘shaw’ planted with deciduous tree species extending to the boundary of Down House which is managed by English Heritage. Our scheme also included the provision of a small staff car-parking area for the English Heritage staff.

The super structure comprises an advanced SIPS system with excellent thermal performance permitting clear internal spans that accentuate the generous top-lit open plan family spaces. Rainwater is recycled via 3,000 litre below ground storage tanks for grey water uses and in the large gardens during the dry spells that often occur in this part of the south-east.

Clague provided full architectural services over RIBA Stages 0-6 to our client the Kirkhouse Trust who are a registered charity and aside from financing the clean-up of the former research laboratories & the restoration of the Arts and Crafts farmhouse, the proceeds from this enabling development funded for the Kirkhouse Trust ongoing work in agricultural crop improvement in the developing world focusing on east Africa.